There’s something about an older house at the holidays. This 1940s Colonial Revival in Portland, Oregon, had plenty of character to begin with, so adding a few festive touches only felt natural. We brought in pieces from our new holiday collection f alongside well-loved details to create a dressed-up mantel, a table ready for gathering, and a seasonal tree full of nostalgia. Come take a look around and gather a few ideas for your own home this season.
The Kitchen
The kitchen tends to get busy this time of year, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just catching up over a glass of wine. We kept things simple here, mixing a few holiday pieces with the everyday things that already belong in the space. Seasonal linens, a bowl of fruit, and some greenery go a long way without taking over the counters. It’s a few small changes, but they make the kitchen feel ready for the season.
Tip: You don’t need to decorate every inch. A few well-placed details can make just as much of an impact, especially in a room you use every day (though we’re not against decorating every inch either…).
The Living Room
Holiday decor should feel like it belongs to the room, not a catalog. Here, a few soft textiles did the heavy lifting (a big thank you to the homeowners for having such incredible taste): a cozy wool rug, the most beautiful patterned sofa, and a little natural greenery on the mantel. The goal was warmth, and we think the goal was definitely met.
Tip: Layer textures before adding color. Wool, linen, and wood feel festive on their own and let your ornaments and candles do the rest.
The Tree
As we all know, the tree is the star of the show, but the best trees don’t look like they came straight out of a box. Our favorite way to dress it up? A mix of ornaments in complementary tones, a few natural woven accents, and a simple skirt that ties everything together at the base.
Tip: Hang ornaments in clusters rather than spacing them evenly. Clusters look more collected and give the eye somewhere to go.
The Bathroom
Yes, the bathroom gets holiday treatment too. Small details make the biggest difference here: a fresh stem in a bud vase (or above the mirror), a pair of soft towels in holiday tones folded neatly, and a candle on the vanity for a little glow in the evening.
Tip: Keep it simple and seasonal. A few thoughtful touches feel like a spa-style welcome, and nobody has to clean up glitter come January.
The Entryway
The entryway staircase is one of the easiest places to make a statement. A garland with a few simple ornaments, ribbon, or a paper chain wrapped around the banister adds instant warmth as soon as you step through the door. In this home, we opted to keep it understated yet whimsical so the architecture can still shine through.
Tip: Always use natural garland or greenery as your base. It looks more elegant and works with almost any style of home.
The Dining Room
The dining room is where the holiday season really comes together. A linen tablecloth or runner sets the foundation, and candles, greenery, and a few special serving pieces finish the table. We kept the palette in this home warm and the layout relaxed, inviting guests to sit down and stay awhile.
Tip: Try to set the table the night before the big event if you can. Once the table is ready, you’re free to enjoy the evening too.
The Bar Cart
Every holiday gathering needs a spot where the drinks live, and a little bar setup becomes its own small moment of celebration (it also gives guests somewhere to congregate if they’re not sure where to go). Here, a simple bar station holds the essentials: a few glasses set out, simple bar snacks, and a bit of greenery tucked in for color.
Tip: Drape a slim garland along the edge or behind the bar cart and tuck a few small ornaments among the glasses for an especially festive finish.
